Bulging or protruding eyes (proptosis) is a rare symptom of certain conditions, such as infections and congenital glaucoma. Although bulging eyes aren’t always serious, it’s important to identify the underlying cause if you notice changes in your child’s or teenager’s eyes.
Without treatment, bulging eyes may increase the risk of complications or affect vision.
Mary Demirjian, OD, and our team at Wide Eye Optometry in Encino, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale, California, specialize in pediatric eye care. Here, we discuss common causes of bulging eyes in children and teens, when to see an eye doctor, and treatment options.
Children and adolescents can develop bulging eyes for various reasons, but the problem is typically due to one of the following:
The most common cause of bulging eyes is orbital cellulitis, a bacterial infection that forms deep within the soft tissues of the eye socket. Symptoms include eyelid swelling, redness, and vision impairment, along with fever.
This type of infection isn’t tied to the eye itself. Instead, it often spreads from another area, like the sinuses or a tooth (dental decay).
Pediatric Graves’ disease, also known as thyroid eye disease (TED), is a rare condition that occurs when the autoimmune system attacks the muscles and fatty tissues behind the eyes. This leads to swelling at the back of the eye and forces the eyeballs to bulge outward.
Thyroid problems often present other symptoms as well, including dry eyes, double vision, and eye irritation.
Sometimes, abnormal growths, like benign tumors and cysts, cause the eyes to bulge. For example, hemangiomas, which cause abnormal blood vessels to grow rapidly, can form at the back of the eye, underneath the eyelids, or in the eye socket. Depending on the size and location of the growth, it may cause the affected eyeball to protrude.
In rare instances, head or eye injuries cause one or both eyes to bulge outward. Even if the initial impact appears mild, visit your nearest emergency room if your child’s eye protrudes abnormally. That’s because it could indicate a brain bleed or other serious issue.
If you notice bulging eyes in your child or teen, don’t wait to see an eye doctor. This is especially true if the bulge is subtle and progresses over a few days or weeks. If your child’s eye suddenly bulges, go to your nearest emergency room or urgent care right away.
Rapid eye bulging often indicates a brain injury or severe infection, so don’t wait to make an appointment. The ER doctors can complete an eye exam and order imaging tests to determine the underlying cause. Afterward, they can coordinate follow-up care with our office to protect your child’s vision.
Treatment for bulging eyes depends on your child’s health history, the underlying cause, and the severity of their symptoms. We may recommend:
Although bulging eyes can be scary, the condition can often be treated without damaging your child’s vision.
If you’re concerned about the appearance or position of your child’s eyes, contact us. Bulging eyes can have many different causes, but prompt treatment can prevent them from worsening.
To get started, schedule a visit for your child at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, today.